Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Class of 2013 prepared for future

VERONA>> Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School has 157 in its Class of 2013. Student speakers Paige Zupan, Samantha Netzband and Melissa Schmalz and faculity speakers Superintendant Martha Group, Principal Andy Brown and Board of Education President Nancy Pitman said they were proud of the enlightened individuals that their classmates and students had become.

Seniors Brittany Havener and Kyle Levatino said that they were nervous and excited to be at their graduation.

"It's scary, knowing that you may never see some of these people again," Levatino said. "College is coming up for some of us, and it could be a challenge. It's nice to see everyone together one last time, and we have all of the graduation parties to look forward to."

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Despite both of them being on crutches; Havener from an accident earlier this week and Levatino from a basketball injury; they were happy to be at the ceremony, even though they had to walk a long way to sit down.

The commencement took place on the football field at VVS high school, and the bleachers were packed with family and friends. Some had tears in their eyes and some shouted jeers and words of encouragement as the class moved to their seats.

Group congratulated the class and spoke of their strengths as artists, athletes and scholars. Despite their stellar high school performance, she told them all to be prepared for the challenges ahead of them.

"Life is not only about where you start its about where you finish," Group said. "It will include heartache, disappointment, joy and many more celebrations to come. Make sure to bring the spirit of VVS wherever you go and in whatever you do."

Salutatorian Paige Zupan spoke of the importance of pursuing one's own dreams, despite how minor they may be perceived by other people. She focused on the importance of trying, using a story about a young man how works hard to rescue stranded starfish every morning before the sun comes up, despite the fact that there is no way he can save them all.

Class President Samantha Netzband focused on freedom and the perception of time changes with age, quoting her grandfather:

"Time goes faster as you get older," Netzband said. "Enjoy the time while you have it."

She said that now that they had entered adulthood, herself and her fellow students now had the freedom to do what they wanted to do, be who they wanted to be.

"As we head our separate ways, we will face unique challenges," Netzban said. "Strive to be the best at whatever you want to be."

Similar to Netzband and Group, Valedictorian Melissa Schmalz talked about the various paths they have all taken to get to where they are, and where they will go.

The senior class presented two plaques to retiring board of education members Nancy Pitman and Tom Schaal.

Pitman spoke before Andy Brown introduced the class and diplomas were handed out, focusing on safety and using music to relate to the students.

"Remember that the thorns in our lives are nothing more than experiences that make us stronger," Pitman said.